Page 29 of Peach Cobbler Confessions
“Yuppers.” Carlotta gives him a slap on the bottom and it sounded awfully fleshy, if you know what I mean.
I make a quick oath to myself not to look south.
“Well, Happy Birthday, Harry,” I say. “Maybe next year we can all go out for dinner. But for now, I think it’s time I leave.”
Mom nods as she steps in close. “That was a very hot routine. Does this mean you’ve changed your mind about including Noah in on the relationship?”
“No,” I whisper. “This is all a part of an investigation.”
A throaty laugh evicts from her. “These little shenanigans of yours really get the men going. You should consider penning a how-to book on catching a man—or two. You’re a pro, Lottie. Oh, and Wiley can publish it for you.”
I scowl over at the leathered and weathered version of Noah. Wiley is acting as my mother’s publisher for her romance novel and stealing just about all of her profits.
“No thanks. I think I’ll keep my secrets to myself for now.”
“Before I forget.” Mom pulls me close. “Ridge Porter’s production company finally reached out and they’re coming next weekend to shoot a few scenes for their finale. I can’t thank you enough for suggesting it. The B&B is finally going to land on the map.”
Carlotta elbows her way over. “I suggested it, Toots. And don’t worry, Lot Lot. I took pictures of your little tied-to-a-tree love routine so you can relive the whole thing later. And Harry’s got a video.”
“Lovely. Don’t you dare show those to anyone.”
Mayor Nash steps up and chuckles. “Don’t be embarrassed. Your mothers and I were proud of your performance. Carlotta and I missed all of your school plays and talent shows and this more than made up for it.”
Something tells me being raised by Carlotta and Harry would have led in this tawdry direction far sooner than it should have.
I glance to the right as Wiley, Noah, and Everett break from their private conversation and make their way into our small circle.
Wiley pats both Noah and Everett on the shoulder. “I was just telling these boys the same things. We’ve got a trio of talent before us. I bet a lot of rehearsal went into that routine, if you know what I mean.” He gives a cheesy wink my way.
Carlotta chuckles. “I bet they practice at least once a night.”
Everett frowns. “That was a never to be repeated performance. Nor has it ever been done before.”
Mom waves him off. “The three of you have been gearing up for your big debut for the last two years. I’m just glad I was here to witness opening night.”
Carlotta snickers. “And Harry and I will be around the house later to witness the wild cast party.”
“I’m leaving now,” I say as I look to Noah and Everett. “I’ll go change my clothes.” I tick my head hard toward Sammy and they nod appreciatively as they take the hint. “Mother”—I turn back her way—“Lainey and Keelie are upstairs overdosing on nachos. Could you give them a ride home?”
Mom nabs Wiley and whisks him to the exit without so much as a goodbye.
Carlotta leans in. “Harry and I will head back to the ranch and leave a few mints on your pillow. I’d better find someone to open the bakery. It looks as if you’re about to have a late night.”
“I’ll be fine.” I glance to Noah’s bare six-pack, then Everett’s slicked with sweateight-pack. “You don’t have to get dressed if you don’t want to.”
Collette sniffs as she points to Sammy. “There she is, Lottie. Let’s go get her.”
I catch up with Sammy just as she’s leaving the room and navigate her back to the dressing room with me.
I’ve never been so annoyed with a suspect as I am with this one.
“How could you lace my cobbler with laxatives? Were you trying to kill Dane Gannon?”
“What?” She wrangles herself free.
Collette groans only the way the dead can. “Is it wrong for me to hope she didn’t do it? I’ve never eaten so many desserts in all my afterlife. Lottie, your cobbler truly is to die for.”
Thank you, I mouth her way.